Public Notice: Executive Director Job Opportunity

Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) - Strategic Leadership Role

Date: 19th May 2026

The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) is a prominent Tanzanian organization dedicated to enhancing citizen engagement and the capacity for civic organizing nationwide. Since its establishment, FCS has successfully managed over $76 million in grants, supporting more than 6,000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across all thirty-one regions of Tanzania, including both the Mainland and Zanzibar. Through its impactful work, the Foundation has significantly bolstered the capacity of civil society, empowering organizations and citizens to actively promote democratic governance and improve livelihoods. These endeavors have positively influenced an estimated thirty-one million Tanzanians, contributing substantially to inclusive development and good governance processes.

Strategic Repositioning for Future Impact

In response to evolving contexts both within Tanzania and globally, FCS is undertaking a critical review of its mission, strategy, and effectiveness. The organization aims to reaffirm its core purpose of revitalizing civic engagement, ensuring every citizen feels a sense of belonging, agency, and the ability to shape our collective future. This involves strengthening the social compact between the people and the state, fostering a more responsive and inclusive government. The shift will move from fragmented, project-based approaches towards more systemic, coherent, and sustainable impact, with a heightened focus on quality of life, human agency, and measurable, large-scale results. This strategic realignment positions civil society to play a transformative role in realizing Tanzania's Vision 2050.

Overall Responsibility: Leading into a New Era

FCS is seeking a visionary, ethical, and highly capable leader to guide the organization through this new phase. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in developing its vision, mission, and long-term systems-change strategic objectives.

The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic direction to the leadership team and staff, cultivating a high-performing, accountable, and values-driven culture that aligns with FCS’s strategic priorities. The ED will be responsible for driving organizational performance through effective strategy execution, robust financial stewardship, and disciplined performance management. As the principal spokesperson for FCS, the ED will represent the organization externally, spearheading resource mobilization and sustainability initiatives by nurturing strong relationships with key global, regional, and national partners. Engaging stakeholders effectively will be crucial to enhancing the organization’s credibility, influence, and impact, thereby expanding FCS’s reach.

In close collaboration with the Board and Members, the ED will ensure the alignment of governance, strategy, and execution, while safeguarding the organization’s long-term vision, effectiveness, and sustainability. The authority vested in the ED to lead FCS and fulfill its mission is underpinned by personal integrity, professional credibility, and a trusted standing with all development partners, including civil society, government, and funding partners.

Visit FCS online at www.thefoundation.or.tz to learn more.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Execution

• Collaborate with the Board and Members to finalize the new systems change strategic direction and provide governance oversight for organizational priorities.
• Translate strategic direction into comprehensive organizational plans, systems, and execution frameworks.
• Align organizational structures, resources, and operations with strategic priorities.
• Lead the delivery of the organizational strategy and citizen-centered development priorities.
• Enhance organizational coherence and execution discipline across leadership teams.
• Develop and implement systems that support scalable and sustainable impact.

2. Organisational Performance and Accountability

• Oversee planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in alignment with the strategy.
• Strengthen robust financial management, compliance, and risk governance systems.
• Safeguard fiduciary and contractual obligations.
• Enhance learning, monitoring, and evaluation processes to drive adaptation and improve impact.
• Drive performance management and continuous improvement across all operations.

3. External Engagement and Resource Mobilisation

• Represent FCS nationally, regionally, and internationally, bolstering its visibility, credibility, and influence.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government, civil society, and the private sector at all levels.
• Position FCS as a trusted and influential partner within the civil society and development ecosystem.
• Provide thought leadership and amplify the voices of civil society and citizens through strategic platforms and engagement.
• Foster collaboration, coalition-building, and co-creation for collective impact.
• Develop and implement a diversified resource mobilization strategy aligned with the context, organizational principles, and priorities.
• Secure and sustain funding partnerships that are responsive to FCS priorities and supportive of the organization’s long-term impact and independence.

4. Governance and Board Relations

• Facilitate effective governance by supporting the Board in its oversight, strategic decision-making, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Provide timely and accurate reports on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Coordinate Board, committee, and Annual General Meeting processes, ensuring well-functioning governance structures and clear decision-making.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board and ex-officio member of its committees, supporting statutory governance requirements and ensuring effective Board administration.

5. Leadership and Organisational Culture

• Provide visible leadership aligned with purpose and results.
• Build a high-performing, accountable, and values-driven organization.
• Develop leadership capability across the organization.
• Strengthen teamwork, collaboration, and shared ownership.
• Foster a culture of learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tanzanian national.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive senior management or executive leadership experience in civil society, development, philanthropy, or comparable sectors.
• Proven experience leading organizational transformation, strategy execution, or institutional strengthening.
• Strong track record in resource mobilization and funding diversification.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders at national and sector levels.
• Experience leading high-performing, diverse teams.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate strategy into tangible results and lead change effectively.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and strong contextual awareness.
• Excellent communication skills in both Swahili and English.

Terms of Employment

FCS offers equal employment opportunities, an attractive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, career development opportunities, and excellent working conditions.

How to Apply

If you meet the outlined criteria, please submit your application via email to fcsedrecruit@gmail.com, including the following documents:

• A cover letter (no more than 2 pages) detailing your motivation for leading FCS and your suitability for the role.
• A CV (no more than 4 pages) highlighting relevant positions held, responsibilities, and key achievements.
• Two writing samples intended for public consumption in either Kiswahili or English.
• Links to one or two audio or video clips of past presentations, interviews, or public engagements.
• Names and contact details of three professional referees (who will not be contacted without your prior consent).

Applications are open until midnight EAT on June 10, 2026. Only applications that fully comply with the requirements will be reviewed. Short-listed candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the deadline. For more details, visit https://www.thefoundation.or.tz/.

The Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bribery and corruption. We are committed to Gender Equality and Diversity. FCS is also an "Equal Opportunity Employer," and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, disability, and age.

Contact Information:

Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)
Plot No. 54B, Uporoto Street, Ursino Estate.
P.O. Box 7192 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Mobile: +255 699 795579
Email: information@thefoundation.or.tz
Website: thefoundation.or.tz